Cardiac-Vascular Nursing (CVRN) Practice Exam

Which condition is a contraindication for giving amiodarone?

1. Worsening hypertension

2. High potassium levels

3. Reactive airway disease

4. Severe liver dysfunction

The correct answer is: Severe liver dysfunction

Amiodarone is an antiarrhythmic medication commonly used to treat various cardiac dysrhythmias. However, one critical contraindication for its use is severe liver dysfunction. This is because amiodarone is primarily metabolized by the liver, and in individuals with significant liver impairment, the drug can accumulate to toxic levels, leading to potentially harmful side effects. Liver function tests are typically monitored during amiodarone therapy, but in cases of severe liver dysfunction, the risks associated with the drug's metabolism outweigh the benefits, leading to the decision to avoid its use. In contrast, other conditions listed, such as worsening hypertension or high potassium levels, are generally managed with alternative therapies or monitoring, rather than constituting absolute contraindications. Additionally, while reactive airway disease may complicate treatment, it does not directly contraindicate the use of amiodarone as effectively as severe liver dysfunction does.